Background and objective: The value of routine culture for mycobacterium from bronchoscopic washings and the cost-effectiveness is still uncertain in countries where tuberculosis is endemic. This study examined the epidemiology of positive cultures for M. tuberculosis obtained by bronchoscopy to determine the health benefit and cost of a policy of routine culture and smear.
Methods: All positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in bronchial washings and the corresponding CXR features were analysed.
Results: The incidence of tuberculosis in routine bronchoscopy was 3.71%, and in patients who presented with typical tuberculosis features on CXR was 6.5%. Up to 10.6% of culture-proven pulmonary tuberculosis relied on bronchoscopy for diagnosis. The total cost of routine mycobacterium culture and acid-fast bacillus smear during the 2-year period was approximately US $24,800.
Conclusion: Routine mycobacterium culture and acid-fast staining from bronchoscopic specimens appears to be valuable in countries where tuberculosis is prevalent.